Ruby's Baby Brother

PreS-Gr 1—This is a classic new-baby story with a twist. When Ruby waves a magic wand, she turns her brother into a bat. Or, she makes a rocket ship to blast Leon up to the Moon. Thus, the transition into being an older sister becomes manageable through play and fantasy. Throughout this plucky character's flights of fancy, readers experience a very real, recognizable child's voice and perspective. Ruby wonders, for example, whether her mom is "the same as before," after giving birth. Later, she remarks on Leon's "strange gurgle." Her wariness is believable, as is her imaginative streak. What is less convincing is her sudden, rather than gradual, shift from suspicion to acceptance of her brother. It's hard to fathom that she really thinks changing a diaper is a "fun thing to do." And her spontaneous exuberance about playing "queen and knight" with the infant, who is seemingly too young to even lift his head, seems far-fetched. Still, this book offers a refreshing take on the universal experience of an only child gaining a sibling. The illustrations portray a warm African American family living in a beautiful, lush green neighborhood. The cartoon art is done in a humorous style. Each page includes whimsical details that help children appreciate the sparkle of Ruby's imagination, such as her cat alarm clock with pointed ears. Youngsters are sure to notice and appreciate details like this, which bring the character and her wonderful world to life. The writing style might not be flawless, but this is a sweet book, and a welcome addition to the new-baby-in-the-family shelves.—Jess deCourcy Hinds, Bard High School Early College, Queens, NY